How Do Y’all Manage to Entertain Yourselves Reading Books?
Let’s be real: Not everyone finds reading inherently exciting. For some, it feels like homework—a chore you have to do rather than something you want to do. But here’s the secret: Reading becomes wildly entertaining when you approach it like a choose-your-own-adventure game. Whether you’re a seasoned bookworm or someone who hasn’t finished a novel since high school, there are countless ways to make flipping through pages (or scrolling through e-books) feel like pure joy. Let’s break down how to turn reading into your new favorite pastime.
1. Find Books That Feel Like They Were Written Just for You
The fastest way to hate reading? Force yourself through books you think you should read but don’t actually enjoy. Ditch the pressure to tackle “classics” or bestsellers that don’t spark your curiosity. Instead, ask yourself: What do I love outside of books?
If you’re obsessed with true crime podcasts, try gripping nonfiction like I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara. If you daydream about traveling, dive into memoirs like Eat, Pray, Love or adventurous fiction like The Alchemist. Apps like Goodreads or StoryGraph can recommend titles based on your preferences, and BookTok/Bookstagram communities are goldmines for discovering books that align with your vibe.
2. Turn Reading Into a Ritual (With Snacks!)
Think about how you Netflix-binge: Cozy blanket, dim lighting, snacks within reach. Apply that same energy to reading! Create a “reading zone” that feels inviting—a corner of your couch, a hammock in the backyard, or even a bubble bath. Pair your book with a sensory experience: light a candle that matches the story’s setting (e.g., pine-scented for a wilderness thriller), sip a themed drink (hot cocoa for a winter romance), or play ambient noise in the background (rain sounds for a mystery novel).
This isn’t just about comfort; it’s about training your brain to associate reading with relaxation and pleasure.
3. Mix Reading With Other Hobbies
Who says reading has to be a solo, silent activity? Merge it with other interests to keep things fresh:
– Artistic? Sketch scenes or characters as you imagine them.
– A foodie? Cook recipes mentioned in the book (hello, Harry Potter butterbeer!).
– A social butterfly? Join a book club or start a two-person “buddy read” with a friend.
– A multitasker? Listen to audiobooks while walking, cleaning, or commuting.
Even something as simple as annotating margins with reactions (“LOL” or “Wait, WHAT?!”) can make reading feel interactive.
4. Embrace Short Formats and Variety
Don’t limit yourself to 400-page novels. Shorter formats—essays, poetry collections, graphic novels, or even serialized stories—can be just as impactful. Platforms like Substack or Kindle Vella offer bite-sized stories updated weekly, perfect for short attention spans.
Switching between genres also keeps your brain engaged. Read a thriller one week, a romance novella the next, and a sci-fi graphic novel after that. Variety prevents boredom and helps you discover unexpected favorites.
5. Gamify Your Reading Habits
Turn reading into a playful challenge:
– Set a monthly book quota (even if it’s just one book!).
– Join reading challenges (e.g., “Read a book set on every continent” or “Read 5 books by LGBTQ+ authors”).
– Use apps like Bookly to track your progress and earn badges.
– Create a “reading bingo” card with prompts like “a book with a blue cover” or “a memoir by a comedian.”
Gamification adds structure and a sense of accomplishment, which makes reading feel rewarding.
6. Let Yourself Quit (Seriously!)
Here’s permission you might need: You don’t have to finish every book you start. If a story isn’t grabbing you by page 50 (or even page 20), drop it guilt-free. Life’s too short to waste time on books that don’t resonate. Think of it like scrolling past a boring Netflix show—there are millions of other options waiting for you.
7. Connect Books to Real-Life Adventures
Books can inspire real-world exploration. After reading Wild by Cheryl Strayed, plan a hiking trip. If you love historical fiction, visit a local museum related to the book’s era. Even small connections—like baking a pie after reading The Help—make the reading experience feel immersive and memorable.
8. Celebrate the Tiny Wins
Finished a chapter? Treat yourself to a dance break. Hit your weekly reading goal? Buy yourself a fancy bookmark. Celebrating small victories trains your brain to view reading as a positive, rewarding habit.
Final Thoughts: It’s All About Mindset
Reading isn’t a passive activity—it’s a doorway to new worlds, ideas, and emotions. When you stop seeing it as a “should” and start treating it as a “get to,” the entertainment factor skyrockets. Experiment with these strategies, toss what doesn’t work, and keep what sparks joy. Before you know it, you’ll be grabbing books instead of your phone when boredom strikes.
So, what’s your next read going to be?
Please indicate: Thinking In Educating » How Do Y’all Manage to Entertain Yourselves Reading Books